Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 October 2025
744. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions being taken to support farmers in meeting nitrates, water quality, and emissions obligations; and if he will confirm that sufficient funding and flexibility will be available to ensure compliance does not undermine farm viability, particularly for family-run enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55099/25]
View answerThere is significant engagement and action across the agri-food sector in relation to improving water quality and reducing emissions.
The Government remains committed to seeking a continuation of Ireland's nitrates derogation and improving water quality.
The Nitrates Regulations form the baseline for reducing agricultural nutrient losses and improving water quality. However, incentives, industry support, knowledge exchange and advisory services are also playing a key role in reducing nutrient losses from agriculture.
Significant resources and funding have been made available for improving water quality including the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme or ASSAP where around 60 advisors are now providing free advice to farmers located in priority areas for action.
The €60m 'Farming for Water' European Innovation Partnership is incentivising farmers to target specific additional measures above regulatory requirements in priority areas.
My Department is also providing grant aid support for low emission slurry spreading equipment and manure storage. Since 2015 over €153m has been paid to farm families supporting significant investments on Irish farms in manure storage and low emission slurry spreading technology.
Regarding emissions, the Marginal Abatement Cost Curve, developed by Teagasc, sets out how farmers can achieve emissions reductions in the most cost-effective manner possible. Government is supporting farmers through supporting improvements in animal breeding, soil fertility and other actions to reduce emissions.
In addition, my Department has committed €2m of funding for the development of “AgNav”, a collaboration between Teagasc, Bord Bia and the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation. AgNav provides a whole farm sustainability assessment that allows science-led plans to be made for individual farms to reduce emissions.
Overall there is significant action being taken and significant funds are available in relation to improving water quality and reducing gaseous emissions. It is important to continue supporting our farmers in both of these areas to meet our national targets.
